A Business Development Manager is responsible for identifying new business opportunities, building client relationships, and driving revenue growth for an organisation. In the UK, this role is common across sectors including recruitment, technology, finance, construction, and professional services.

This Business Development Manager job description is suitable for job adverts, career pages, and SEO-optimised content targeting UK searches.

Business Development Manager Job Description

A Business Development Manager (BDM) develops strategic partnerships, generates new leads, and expands existing accounts to increase company sales and market share. They work closely with sales, marketing, and senior leadership to identify growth opportunities and deliver commercial success.

Business Development Managers typically focus on new business acquisition, account growth, and market expansionwithin defined territories or industries.

Key Responsibilities of a Business Development Manager

Typical Business Development Manager duties in the UK include:

• Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities
• Generating leads through networking, outreach, and marketing campaigns
• Building and maintaining long-term client relationships
• Preparing and delivering sales presentations and proposals
• Negotiating contracts and commercial terms
• Managing the full sales cycle from prospecting to closing
• Meeting and exceeding sales targets and KPIs
• Conducting market research and competitor analysis
• Collaborating with marketing to support lead generation
• Attending industry events and networking opportunities
• Managing key accounts and upselling services
• Producing sales forecasts and pipeline reports

Business Development Manager Skills

Employers typically look for the following Business Development Manager skills:

Essential Skills

• Strong sales and negotiation skills
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities
• Relationship building and stakeholder management
• Commercial awareness
• Lead generation and prospecting experience
• CRM experience (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.)
• Target-driven and results-focused mindset
• Strategic thinking and planning

Desirable Skills

• Industry-specific knowledge
• Experience managing large accounts
• Tender and proposal writing experience
• Data analysis and forecasting
• Project management skills

Business Development Manager Requirements (UK)

Typical Business Development Manager requirements include:

• Previous experience in business development, sales, or account management
• Proven track record of meeting sales targets
• Experience managing B2B client relationships
• Full UK driving licence (for field-based roles)
• Strong knowledge of the UK market
• Proficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft Office

Qualifications (Often Preferred)

• Degree in Business, Marketing, or related field
• Sales or business development certifications
• Industry-specific qualifications (depending on sector)

Business Development Manager Salary UK

The Business Development Manager salary in the UK varies depending on industry and experience:

• Entry-level: £30,000 – £40,000
• Mid-level: £40,000 – £60,000
• Senior BDM: £60,000 – £80,000+
• OTE/Commission: £10,000 – £50,000+

Many roles include:

• Commission / bonus structure
• Company car or car allowance
• Private healthcare
• Pension scheme
• Remote or hybrid working

Business Development Manager Job Types

Common variations of the role include:

• Senior Business Development Manager
• Business Development Executive
• Business Development Consultant
• New Business Manager
• Strategic Partnerships Manager
• Commercial Manager
• Sales Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager Working Environment

Business Development Managers in the UK typically work:

• Office-based, hybrid, or remote
• Field-based visiting clients
• Attending networking and industry events
• Collaborating with internal sales and marketing teams

The role often involves travel within the UK and occasionally internationally.

Business Development Manager Career Progression

A Business Development Manager can progress to:

• Senior Business Development Manager
• Head of Business Development
• Sales Director
• Commercial Director
• Managing Director

Business Development Manager Jobs on Voceer

Check out business development manager jobs on Voceer here.